50 years of women in space

By By AUBREY COHEN

on June 13, 2013 5:00 PM

Photo: DMITRY KOSTYUKOV/AFP/Getty Images

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50 years ago, on June 16,1963, Valentina Tereshkova of the then Soviet Union became the first woman in space, blasting into orbit aboard Vostok 6. Click on to read and see more about Tereshkova and the women who followed in her footsteps. less

50 years ago, on June 16,1963, Valentina Tereshkova of the then Soviet Union became the first woman in space, blasting into orbit aboard Vostok 6. Click on to read and see more about Tereshkova and the women ... more

Photo: Central Press, Getty Images

50 years ago, on June 16,1963, Valentina Tereshkova of the then... Photo-933570.64536 - NewsTimes

The late 1960s TV show "Star Trek" broke ground by having a black woman, Nyota Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols, as a bridge officer. But it took quite a bit longer for the United States to send a woman into space for real, and even longer to send a black woman. less

The late 1960s TV show "Star Trek" broke ground by having a black woman, Nyota Uhura, played by Nichelle Nichols, as a bridge officer. But it took quite a bit longer for the United States to send a woman into ... more

Pretty soon, Ride had female company in space. Here, Ride (right) and astronaut Kathryn Sullivan show off their design for a sleeping bag complete with restraints for zero gravity conditions in Challenger in October 1984. less

Pretty soon, Ride had female company in space. Here, Ride (right) and astronaut Kathryn Sullivan show off their design for a sleeping bag complete with restraints for zero gravity conditions in Challenger in ... more

Bonnie Dunbar, of Sunnyside, Wash., took part in five space shuttle missions between 1985 and 1998. Here, she works with a fluids experiment apparatus aboard space shuttle Columbia during her second flight, in January 1990. less

Bonnie Dunbar, of Sunnyside, Wash., took part in five space shuttle missions between 1985 and 1998. Here, she works with a fluids experiment apparatus aboard space shuttle Columbia during her second flight, in ... more

Photo: Time Life Pictures, Time & Life Pictures/Getty Image

Bonnie Dunbar, of Sunnyside, Wash., took part in five space shuttle... Photo-4445356.64536 - NewsTimes

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The first Briton in space was a woman, Helen Sharman, in 1991. Here, Shaman, right, shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in London on December 8, 2011.

The first Briton in space was a woman, Helen Sharman, in 1991. Here, Shaman, right, shakes hands with Queen Elizabeth at Buckingham Palace in London on December 8, 2011.

Photo: ANTHONY DEVLIN, AFP/Getty Images

The first Briton in space was a woman, Helen Sharman, in 1991.... Photo-4782096.64536 - NewsTimes

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The first black woman in space was Mae Jemison, who was a member of space shuttle Eandeavour's crew in September 1992.

The first black woman in space was Mae Jemison, who was a member of space shuttle Eandeavour's crew in September 1992.

Photo: Science & Society Picture Librar, SSPL Via Getty Images

The first black woman in space was Mae Jemison, who was a member of... Photo-4781283.64536 - NewsTimes

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American astronaut Eileen Collins was the first woman to pilot a space shuttle, Discovery, in February 1995. Here she is at her station, as the crew carries out the 'hotfiring' procedure to clear a leaking thruster prior to rendezvous with the Russian Mir space station. less

American astronaut Eileen Collins was the first woman to pilot a space shuttle, Discovery, in February 1995. Here she is at her station, as the crew carries out the 'hotfiring' procedure to clear a leaking ... more

Photo: Space Frontiers, Getty Images

American astronaut Eileen Collins was the first woman to pilot a... Photo-4781280.64536 - NewsTimes

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Eileen Collins went on to become the first woman to command a shuttle mission, Columbia's flight in July 1999.

Eileen Collins went on to become the first woman to command a shuttle mission, Columbia's flight in July 1999.

Photo: TONY RANZE, AFP/Getty Images

Eileen Collins went on to become the first woman to command a... Photo-4781961.64536 - NewsTimes

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Astronaut Laurel Clark, shown here with then eight-year-old son Ian, was killed with her six crewmates when space shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003.

Astronaut Laurel Clark, shown here with then eight-year-old son Ian, was killed with her six crewmates when space shuttle Columbia disintegrated as it re-entered the Earth's atmosphere on February 1, 2003.

Astronaut Shannon Lucid took part in five spaceflights. She also was the only American woman to serve aboard the Russian Mir space station, living there for more than 188 days, more than any other American on Mir and the longest stay in space for any woman until 2006. She served as NASA's Chief Scientist in 2002 and 2003. less

Astronaut Shannon Lucid took part in five spaceflights. She also was the only American woman to serve aboard the Russian Mir space station, living there for more than 188 days, more than any other American on ... more

Photo: AFP, AFP/Getty Images

Astronaut Shannon Lucid took part in five spaceflights. She also... Photo-4781278.64536 - NewsTimes

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In December 2006, astronaut Sunita Williams set a world record for women with four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes. Astronaut Peggy Whitson broke the record in 2008. But then, in 2012, Williams spent four months working aboard the International Space Station, including three space walks, allowing her to reclaim the record. less

In December 2006, astronaut Sunita Williams set a world record for women with four spacewalks totaling 29 hours and 17 minutes. Astronaut Peggy Whitson broke the record in 2008. But then, in 2012, Williams ... more

Photo: Encyclopaedia Britannica, UIG Via Getty Images

In December 2006, astronaut Sunita Williams set a world record for... Photo-4781270.64536 - NewsTimes

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Anousheh Ansari was the first female space tourist, paying her way aboard a Russian capsule in 2006.

Anousheh Ansari was the first female space tourist, paying her way aboard a Russian capsule in 2006.